Quantum-resilient cybersecurity: Evaluating the impact of post-quantum cryptography on identity, asset and network security models

With the growth and advancement of quantum computing, conventional cryptographic methods are becoming increasingly vulnerable, particularly in the core aspects of cybersecurity, including identity, asset, and network security. In detail, the following paper will provide a systematic analysis of post-quantum cryptography (PQC) in these areas. It discusses the theoretical foundations and operational potential of PQC algorithms, including those based on lattices, which aim to withstand quantum attacks, enhance authentication systems, protect digital assets, and maintain secure network communications. Considering the standards efforts, such as the work by NIST and real-life projects (current implementations of NewHope by Google and pilot projects by AWS), as well as the implementation difficulties that the domain faces, the article provides an overview of strategies related to migration. It explains both the potential and the challenges that face the introduction of PQC into current security infrastructures. It focuses on hybrid cryptography, side-channel robustness, performance trade-offs, and regulatory issues. Ultimately, the findings of this study suggest adopting PQC as a proactive rather than a defensive approach, providing an opportunity to redesign the structure of contemporary cybersecurity to achieve greater security in the face of emerging threats in the future.